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Thursday, Dec 17 - Do Not Fear<br />
There are a lot of "do not fear" statements in the Christmas story. Ever noticed? As I was rereading<br />
the various accounts in the four gospels, the "do not fear" comments (mostly from a<br />
visiting angel) were spoken to a number of the critical players in the nativity story. However,<br />
there was one spoken to Joseph that leapt off the page and into my heart:<br />
Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is<br />
from the Holy Spirit...all this has taken place to fulfill what the Lord spoke to the prophet, Isaiah,<br />
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and He shall be called, Immanuel (which<br />
means, God with us)."<br />
Matthew 1:20, 23<br />
Talk about a fearful season for all the principle characters necessary to bring God's Son into and<br />
up in this world. Each found themselves constantly under a cloud of threat, fear of the future,<br />
and the possibilities of imminent death. Yet, over and over again, that visiting angel spoke words<br />
of assurance, "Do not fear..." Do not fear for God has come to you. Do not fear for God is now<br />
with you. Do not fear you are never alone. Do not fear for He will save you. Do not fear, your<br />
prayers have been heard. Do not fear for I have brought you tidings of great joy.<br />
"Do not fear!" is an integral part of the Advent Story...<br />
We may not have an angel visit us today in our dreams, in a vision, or in person. Yet, we have<br />
this truth tucked away in the lines of the <strong>Jesus</strong>-story with which we can cling: He is with<br />
us...always! Even unto the end of the age!<br />
<strong>Jesus</strong> Christ: the same yesterday, today, and forever.<br />
Sovereign God.<br />
The in-charge-I-AM, who oversees every outcome for a good we may not currently see, who will<br />
accomplish what He purposes, is the God of the Details.<br />
This God is with me. His name is Immanuel!<br />
Do.Not.Fear.<br />
Advent is near!<br />
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